Many years ago, the sociologist C. Wright Mills warned about a group of powerful leaders behind the scenes in America. He called them "The Power Elite" and had a book by the same name. He recognized the move toward oligarchy here. This group was authoritarian in nature and hated FDR, JFK and RFK. They tried to oust FDR via a fascist coup…
Many years ago, the sociologist C. Wright Mills warned about a group of powerful leaders behind the scenes in America. He called them "The Power Elite" and had a book by the same name. He recognized the move toward oligarchy here. This group was authoritarian in nature and hated FDR, JFK and RFK. They tried to oust FDR via a fascist coup that never happened but was well planned. They prefer fascism because its economic system (cartel) reflects their authoritarian political beliefs. They want authoritarian economics and politics. This group will not rest until they establish their dictatorship here. It's no accident that Tim Mellon (of the Mellon dynasty) has gven millions to the Trump effort and other authoritarian candidates. Extreme wealth is a destroyer of democracy. The challenge of the power elite is to convince the electorate of the righteousness of their agenda. And they have accomplished quite a lot of this with propaganda from tRump. MAGA has bought this anti-democracy stance and segregated themselves into a tribe of fools. They like Putin because he's one of them.
Steve, I agree with everything, but: “They like Putin because he’s one of them.” On the other hand, maybe you’re right. They may see in Putin as yet another bigot that will help them get rid of the Hated Other. Hence, their support for fascism and fascists like trump and Putin. Otherwise, they like charismatic cult leaders like trump and Putin who are skilled manipulators of those who are easily brainwashed and like to follow bullies. I’m not so sure they they see in Putin someone “like them,” but maybe bullies like bullies , fascists like other fascists, White supremacists like racists, etc. Cult dynamics play a significant role, including charisma.
Many years ago, the sociologist C. Wright Mills warned about a group of powerful leaders behind the scenes in America. He called them "The Power Elite" and had a book by the same name. He recognized the move toward oligarchy here. This group was authoritarian in nature and hated FDR, JFK and RFK. They tried to oust FDR via a fascist coup that never happened but was well planned. They prefer fascism because its economic system (cartel) reflects their authoritarian political beliefs. They want authoritarian economics and politics. This group will not rest until they establish their dictatorship here. It's no accident that Tim Mellon (of the Mellon dynasty) has gven millions to the Trump effort and other authoritarian candidates. Extreme wealth is a destroyer of democracy. The challenge of the power elite is to convince the electorate of the righteousness of their agenda. And they have accomplished quite a lot of this with propaganda from tRump. MAGA has bought this anti-democracy stance and segregated themselves into a tribe of fools. They like Putin because he's one of them.
Steve, I agree with everything, but: “They like Putin because he’s one of them.” On the other hand, maybe you’re right. They may see in Putin as yet another bigot that will help them get rid of the Hated Other. Hence, their support for fascism and fascists like trump and Putin. Otherwise, they like charismatic cult leaders like trump and Putin who are skilled manipulators of those who are easily brainwashed and like to follow bullies. I’m not so sure they they see in Putin someone “like them,” but maybe bullies like bullies , fascists like other fascists, White supremacists like racists, etc. Cult dynamics play a significant role, including charisma.
Well yes; those with authoritarian personalities prefer leaders with the same mindset.